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Leonardo delighted with AC Milan spirit after Roma win

AC Milan boss Leonardo was proud of his players after their 2-1 victory over Roma.

Jeremy Menez had opened the scoring for Roma in the opening minutes, but a soft Ronaldinho penalty and Alexandre Pato strike turned it around in the second half.

A relieved Leonardo remarked afterwards: "I think the most important thing today was the incredible spirit. It's not just three points for us, it's proof we can fight back and achieve things that we didn't think were possible.

"After some poor results you see everything pitch black, but it moved me to see the determination and hunger in their faces."

Leonardo admits Pippo Inzaghi's introduction at halftime was not any tactical change.

Inzaghi replaced an injured Ignazio Abate and Leonardo said: "I don't know if I would've changed otherwise. I had already thought of pushing the team further forward and introducing a 'proper' striker, so the two incidents came together.

"I believe a centre-forward is needed to put it in the back of the net. Tonight I focused on form, as Ronaldinho and Pato were in the best shape.

"Pippo can give his contribution, although he cannot play every game, while [Klaas-Jan] Huntelaar is slowly getting into our system.

"We tried to cover the field better and perhaps the players we have are suited to a different type of system. Having said that, it was difficult to evaluate the tactics when they were affected by going down so early.

"I am Brazilian, attacking football is within me, so I always want to see the team pushing forward. We are seeking some alternative systems, but it is in our DNA to go on the attack."